Nuclear Iran Prevention Act Passes House Foreign Affairs Committee

(High Desert)–Rep. Paul Cook (R-Yucca Valley) today announced that H.R. 850, the “Nuclear Iran Prevention Act,” was passed out of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

The legislation was introduced jointly by Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Ed Royce (R-CA) and Ranking Committee Member Eliot Engel (D-NY) and has over 330 co-sponsors including Rep. Cook. The bill aims to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons by increasing economic pressure on Iranian leaders responsible for developing its nuclear program and committing gross human rights violations.

Additionally, the bill directs the Secretary of State to determine if Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) meets the criteria for designation as a foreign terrorist organization. If it does meet the criteria, the Secretary must designate the IRGC as a foreign terrorist organization and if not, he must report to Congress concerning which criteria have not been met.

Rep. Cook joined in supporting the measure, saying, “A nuclear Iran poses a grave threat to the United States and its allies. We cannot allow Iran to continue unchecked on a path toward nuclear weapons. This bill is necessary to help cripple the regime and avoid military action.”

Chairman Royce said, “Without question – we have to play every card and pull every lever we have. This legislation — developed with Ranking Member Engel — aims to do just that. In short, we attack Iran’s oil exports, hit its brutal leaders, and crimp its access to overseas cash.”

A member of the House Armed Services, Veterans’ Affairs, and Foreign Affairs Committees, Cook served as an infantry officer and retired as a Colonel after 26 years in the U.S. Marine Corps. He was awarded the Bronze Star medal with valor device and two Purple Hearts for actions in combat.